Best Time Tracking and Invoicing Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best time tracking and invoicing software:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Tired of time tracking and invoicing software that feels like more work than it’s worth? Messy timesheets, invoice mistakes, and late payments don’t just slow you down—they hurt your bottom line. You need a tool that tracks hours effortlessly, automates invoicing, and keeps cash flow steady without the extra hassle.
I’ve spent years as a financial controller sorting through software that promises automation but ends up creating more stress. The best tools actually make life easier—saving you time, improving accuracy, and keeping billing frustration-free.
To make your search easier, I tested and reviewed the top time tracking and invoicing software out there. These picks will simplify tracking, speed up invoicing, and help you stay on top of your finances. Let’s find the right one for you!
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Best Time Tracking and Invoicing Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top time tracking and invoicing software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for automatic time tracking | 14-day free trial | From $2.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
2 | Best for detailed billing reports | 30-day free trial | From $5/month | Website | |
3 | Best for unlimited users | 7-day free trial + free download available | From $5.49/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
4 | Best for invoicing automation | Free plan available | From $9/month (billed annually) | Website | |
5 | Best for creative teams | Free plan available | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
6 | Best for workforce management | Free demo available | From $2/employee/month | Website | |
7 | Best for accounting firms | Free demo available | From $59/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
8 | Best for simple time tracking | 30-day free trial + freemium plan available | From $10/user/month | Website | |
9 | Best for remote team tracking | 10-day free trial | From $2.50/user/month | Website | |
10 | Best for project management integration | 15-day free trial + free plan available | From $9.90/user/month | Website |
Best Time Tracking and Invoicing Software Review
Below are my detailed summaries of the best time tracking and invoicing software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer an in-depth look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
TimeCamp is a time tracking and invoicing software aimed at freelancers and small businesses. It automates time tracking and helps manage billing, making it easier to keep track of work hours and invoices.
Why I picked TimeCamp: TimeCamp offers automatic time tracking, which minimizes manual input and saves you time. The platform’s main features allows you to track time spent on different tasks without having to start or stop the timer manually. It also generates detailed reports, providing insights into productivity and time usage. Plus, TimeCamp’s invoicing capabilities help you convert tracked hours into invoices effortlessly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a graphical timesheet that provides a visual overview of your work hours. The attendance tracking feature helps you monitor team presence and punctuality. TimeCamp also offers project budgeting, allowing you to keep track of costs and ensure projects stay within budget.
Integrations include Trello, Asana, Slack, QuickBooks, Xero, monday.com, Jira, GitHub, Evernote, and Google Calendar.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Attendance tracking for team monitoring
- Detailed productivity reports available
- Invoicing capabilities for tracked hours
Cons:
- Initial setup can be complex
- Occasional performance lags
TMetric is a time tracking and billing software designed for freelancers and small to medium-sized businesses. It helps users track time, manage tasks, and generate detailed billing reports.
Why I picked TMetric: TMetric offers detailed billing reports, which are essential for accurate invoicing and financial management. The software’s time tracking feature allows you to log hours with precision, ensuring you bill clients accurately. It also provides project management capabilities, helping you keep tasks organized and on track.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include manual time entry, which allows you to add time entries for past work. The budgeting feature helps you set financial limits for projects to avoid overspending. TMetric also offers activity tracking, providing insights into how time is spent on tasks.
Integrations include Asana, Trello, Jira, Slack, QuickBooks, GitHub, Bitbucket, Freshdesk, Microsoft Outlook, and Google Calendar.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed billing reports for accurate invoicing
- Manual time entry for flexibility
- Budgeting feature for project limits
Cons:
- Initial setup can be complex
- Learning curve for new users
Clockify is a time tracking software that caters to businesses of all sizes, offering features that help manage time and billing. It allows teams to track work hours (billable and non-billable hours), manage projects, and generate detailed reports.
Why I picked Clockify: Clockify supports unlimited users, making it ideal for growing teams without extra costs. It offers features like project time tracking and detailed reporting, which help you understand how time is spent, while the software’s dashboard provides a clear view of activities, aiding in better project management. Overall, this type of flexibility ensures Clockify can successfully adapt to your team's needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a visual timesheet that helps you see where time is going. The project dashboard gives you an overview of your team's activities and progress, while its customizable reports let you analyze data to improve productivity.
Integrations include Asana, Trello, Slack, Jira, monday.com, QuickBooks, Notion, Microsoft Teams, Todoist, and Google Calendar.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable reports for insights
- Flexible for team growth
- Detailed project dashboard
Cons:
- Limited offline capabilities
- Learning curve for new users
Zoho Invoice is an invoicing and billing software designed for small businesses and freelancers. It helps users automate billing processes, manage invoices, and track time effectively.
Why I picked Zoho Invoice: Zoho Invoice excels in invoicing automation, which simplifies your billing tasks. It offers recurring invoicing, allowing you to set up automatic billing for regular clients, while its customizable templates ensure your invoices match your brand's style. Zoho Invoice also provides a client portal where your clients can view and pay invoices online, enhancing the payment process.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include multi-currency support, which is helpful for businesses dealing with international clients. The expense tracking feature lets you monitor and record expenses efficiently. Zoho Invoice also provides detailed reporting, giving you insights into your financial health.
Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, PayPal, Stripe, G Suite, Slack, Zapier, Office 365, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Recurring invoicing for regular clients
- Multi-currency support for international business
- Detailed financial reporting
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Some customization options are limited
FunctionFox is a project management and time tracking tool designed for creative teams and agencies. It helps users manage projects, track time, and improve workflow efficiency.
Why I picked FunctionFox: FunctionFox caters specifically to creative teams, offering features like project tracking and task assignment. The project tracking feature lets you monitor deadlines and budgets, which is vital for creative projects. Its task assignment capabilities also allow you to delegate work easily within your team. Lastly, FunctionFox provides a simple interface that helps your team focus on creativity rather than administrative tasks.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a project blog, which facilitates team communication and collaboration. The real-time reporting feature gives you insights into project progress and resource allocation. FunctionFox also offers a stopwatch timer, allowing you to track time spent on each task accurately.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and Basecamp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple interface for creative focus
- Project blog for team communication
- Real-time reporting for project insights
Cons:
- Mobile app lacks full functionality
- Some customization options are limited
Synerion is a workforce management software for medium to large enterprises. It helps optimize employee scheduling, track attendance, and manage payroll.
Why I picked Synerion: Synerion specializes in workforce management, providing features like advanced scheduling and real-time attendance tracking. Its advanced scheduling feature lets you plan shifts, minimizing labor costs, while real-time attendance tracking ensures you have accurate data on employee presence. Similarly, Synerion offers payroll integration, simplifying the process of managing employee payments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include labor allocation, which helps you assign resources efficiently based on demand. The absence management feature allows you to track and manage employee leave easily. Synerion also provides compliance management, ensuring your workforce practices meet regulatory standards.
Integrations include ADP, Kronos, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, BambooHR, Workday, Ceridian, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced scheduling reduces labor costs
- Real-time attendance tracking available
- Compliance management for regulatory standards
Cons:
- Complex initial setup process
- Some features require technical knowledge
Karbon is a practice management software designed for accounting firms and professional service teams. It helps manage workflows, tasks, and improve collaboration among team members.
Why I picked Karbon: Karbon is best for accounting firms offering features like email integration and task management. The email integration option allows you to manage client communications directly within the platform, which is important for maintaining organized correspondence. Additionally, its task management feature helps you assign and track tasks efficiently across your team.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include workflow automation, which reduces manual work and increases efficiency. The time tracking feature helps you monitor billable hours accurately. Karbon also offers detailed analytics, providing insights into team performance and project progress.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, Slack, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Outlook, Gmail, Zapier, Practice Ignition, and TSheets.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Email integration for client communication
- Centralized platform for document sharing
- Task management for efficient workflow
Cons:
- Complex initial setup process
- Mobile app lacks full functionality
Toggl Track is a time tracking software designed for freelancers and small teams. It helps users track work hours, manage projects, and generate reports with ease.
Why I picked Toggl Track: Toggl Track offers simple time tracking, making it easy for you to monitor work hours without hassle. It provides a one-click timer, allowing you to start tracking time immediately. Similarly, the platform’s intuitive interface ensures that you and your team can use it without extensive training. As an added bonus, Toggle Track also offers insightful reports that help you analyze how time is spent across different projects.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a Pomodoro timer that helps improve focus and productivity by breaking work into intervals. The idle detection feature alerts you when you forget to stop the timer, ensuring accurate time logs. Toggl Track also offers project and client tagging, allowing you to organize and streamline your tracked time effectively.
Integrations include Trello, Asana, Slack, Jira, GitHub, Evernote, Google Calendar, Basecamp, Zapier, and Todoist.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- One-click timer for immediate tracking
- Intuitive interface for easy use
- Project and client tagging available
Cons:
- Reporting features are limited
- Limited customization options
Appolye is a time tracking and invoicing tool primarily used by remote teams and freelancers. It allows users to track work hours, manage projects, and handle billing efficiently.
Why I picked Appolye: Appolye is for remote teams, offering features like GPS location tracking and activity monitoring. The GPS tracking helps you see where your team members are working from, which is useful for managing remote work. Its activity monitoring also provides insights into productivity levels, helping you optimize team performance. Additionally, Appolye offers detailed timesheets that simplify billing for remote work hours.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automatic screenshots that help you monitor work progress. The project budgeting feature allows you to keep track of expenses and ensure projects stay on budget. Appolye also provides idle time detection, which helps you analyze and improve productivity.
Integrations include Slack, Trello, Asana, Jira, QuickBooks, Xero, Basecamp, GitHub, monday.com, and Google Calendar.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Activity monitoring for productivity insights
- Detailed timesheets for accurate billing
- Automatic screenshots for work progress
Cons:
- Learning curve for complex features
- Occasional performance lags
Paymo is a project management and time tracking software aimed at small to medium-sized businesses. It helps teams manage projects, track time, and handle billing efficiently.
Why I picked Paymo: Paymo excels in integrating project management with time tracking, providing a comprehensive view of your team's progress. The software’s task management feature allows you to organize and prioritize work effectively, while its invoicing capabilities let you convert timesheet data into invoices effortlessly. It also offers a built-in file proofing system, which is great for creative teams needing feedback on designs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a Kanban board that helps you visualize project progress and manage tasks more effectively. The resource scheduling feature allows you to allocate work based on team availability. Paymo also offers an online timesheet that simplifies your team’s time on specific projects.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, QuickBooks, Zapier, Xero, Google Calendar, Adobe CC, Jotform, HubSpot, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in file proofing system
- Easy conversion of timesheets to invoices
- Kanban board for task visualization
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Mobile app lacks full functionality
Other Time Tracking and Invoicing Software
Here are some additional time tracking and invoicing software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
Time Tracking and Invoicing Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best time tracking and invoicing software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like accurately tracking billable time and automating invoice generation. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Track employee work hours
- Generate/send invoices from tracked time
- Support multiple billing rates
- Export timesheets for payroll processing
- Integrate with accounting software
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-powered time tracking suggestions
- GPS tracking for mobile workforce
- Customizable invoice templates
- Automatic late payment reminders
- Expense tracking with receipt uploads
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Clean and intuitive interface
- Minimal setup required
- Mobile time tracking app availability
- Simple navigation between features
- Customizable dashboard views
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of video tutorials
- Interactive product tours
- Prebuilt invoice templates
- Onboarding webinars or guides
- Chatbot assistance for new users
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat support
- Email response time and quality
- 24/7 support options
- Active user community or forum
- Dedicated account manager for premium plans
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Free plan or trial availability
- Scalable pricing for different team sizes
- Features offered at each pricing tier
- Cost of add-ons or integrations
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Ease of use feedback from small businesses
- Reliability of time tracking accuracy
- Positive comments on invoice automation
- Common complaints about bugs or glitches
- Quality of customer support experiences
How to Choose Time Tracking and Invoicing Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Ensure the software can grow with your business. Look for solutions that can handle increasing users and data without a drop in performance. |
Integrations | Check if the software integrates with tools you already use, like accounting software, project management apps, and CRM systems, to have smoother workflows. |
Customizability | Consider if you can tailor the software to fit your specific needs. Customizable templates and reports can be particularly useful for unique business requirements. |
Ease of Use | Evaluate the software's interface for simplicity. Your team should be able to navigate it without extensive training, saving time and reducing frustration. |
Budget | Compare the pricing plans against your budget. Look for transparent pricing and consider the cost per user, especially if you have a large team. |
Security Safeguards | Prioritize software with robust security features like data encryption and two-factor authentication to protect sensitive information. |
Support Options | Check for available support channels, such as live chat or phone support, to ensure you can get help when needed. |
Reporting Capabilities | Look for software that offers detailed reporting features to help you analyze time and billing data effectively. |
Trends in Time Tracking and Invoicing Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different time tracking and invoicing software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-Powered Insights: More tools are using AI to analyze time and billing data, providing insights into productivity patterns and helping teams make better decisions. This trend is useful for businesses looking to optimize their operations and reduce inefficiencies.
- Voice Command Capabilities: Some software now allows users to start and stop timers using voice commands. This is especially valuable for professionals who need to manage time tracking while multitasking.
- Blockchain for Security: A few vendors are exploring blockchain technology to enhance data security and transparency in transactions. This trend is particularly relevant for businesses that handle sensitive financial data and require an extra layer of protection.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Tools are increasingly offering features that facilitate real-time collaboration on invoices and projects, allowing multiple users to work together and make updates instantly.
- Subscription Billing Models: Vendors are incorporating subscription billing capabilities, enabling businesses to automate recurring invoices and manage subscriptions efficiently. This trend addresses the growing demand for subscription-based services across various industries.
What Is Time Tracking and Invoicing Software?
Time tracking and invoicing software is a tool that helps businesses manage work hours and billing processes efficiently. Professionals like freelancers, small business owners, and project managers generally use these tools to ensure accurate billing and effective time management.
These tools generally include key features like automatic time tracking, invoicing capabilities, and real-time collaboration to support productivity and help users manage their work and finances efficiently. Overall, time tracking and invoicing software offer significant value by simplifying administrative tasks and improving financial accuracy.
Features of Time Tracking and Invoicing Software
When selecting time tracking and invoicing software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Automatic Time Tracking: Captures work hours without manual input, ensuring precise and streamlined billing and time management.
- Invoicing Capabilities: Creates invoices from tracked time, enhancing the billing process.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Allows multiple users to work together on invoices and projects, enhancing teamwork and efficiency.
- AI-Powered Insights: Analyzes data to provide productivity patterns and decision-making support.
- Customizable Templates: Enables the personalization of invoices and reports to match business branding.
- Subscription Billing: Automates recurring invoices, simplifying subscription management for businesses.
- Idle Detection: Alerts users when time tracking is inactive, ensuring accurate time logs.
- Voice Command Capabilities: Offers hands-free time management, useful for multitasking professionals.
- Security Safeguards: Protects sensitive data with encryption and access controls, ensuring information safety.
Benefits of Time Tracking and Invoicing Software
Implementing time tracking and invoicing software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Accurate Billing: Automatic time tracking and invoicing capabilities ensure that all billable hours are accounted for, reducing errors in client billing.
- Improved Productivity: AI-powered insights and real-time collaboration help teams identify inefficiencies and work together more effectively.
- Time Savings: Features like voice command capabilities and idle detection minimize manual tasks, freeing up time for more important work.
- Better Financial Management: Project budgeting tools keep track of expenses, helping prevent overspending and optimizing resource allocation and profitability.
- Enhanced Security: Security safeguards protect sensitive data, ensuring compliance with privacy standards.
- Efficient Subscription Management: Subscription billing automates recurring invoices, making it easier to manage ongoing client relationships.
- Custom Branding: Customizable templates allow you to personalize and create invoices and reports, maintaining a consistent brand image.
Costs and Pricing of Time Tracking and Invoicing Software
Selecting time tracking and invoicing software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in time tracking and invoicing software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Time Tracking and Invoicing Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic time tracking, invoicing capabilities, and limited reports. |
Personal Plan | $5-$25 /user /month | Time tracking, invoicin\g, project management, and basic reporting. |
Business Plan | $25-$50 /user /month | Advanced reporting, integrations, team collaboration, and project budgeting. |
Enterprise Plan | $50-$100+/user /month | Customizable features, dedicated support, security enhancements, and scalability. |
Time Tracking and Invoicing Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about time tracking and invoicing software:
What is the best time tracking for invoicing?
The best time tracking software for invoicing will depend on your specific needs, but popular options like Clockify offer comprehensive features for tracking and invoicing billable hours. Look for tools that automate invoices and integrate with your existing systems to make the process smoother.
What are the benefits of real-time tracking?
Real-time tracking provides up-to-date information on work progress, helping you manage projects more effectively. It allows for timely adjustments and enhances productivity by giving accurate insights into how resources are used. This feature is beneficial for teams looking to optimize their workflow.
What is the primary method for recording your time providing services for a client?
Timesheets are commonly used to record time spent on client services, especially in service-based industries. They provide a detailed breakdown of activities, ensuring accurate billing based on actual work completed. This method helps maintain transparency with clients and supports precise invoicing.
How can time tracking improve productivity?
Time tracking helps identify where time is being spent and highlights areas of inefficiency. By analyzing this data, you can make informed decisions to optimize workflows and allocate resources better. This leads to improved productivity and more effective project management for your team.
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